At a time when sustainability and cost-efficiency are paramount, finding innovative ways to reduce energy bills is key for most businesses.  One often-overlooked solution is the installation of a mezzanine floor within commercial spaces; Offices, retail stores, warehouses… you name it!  Primarily used to increase floor space, single or multi-tier mezzanine installations can also have a significant impact on a business’ energy consumption.  Here’s how:

Understanding Mezzanine Floors
Before we explore their energy-saving potential, it’s important to understand what mezzanine floors are and how they function. A mezzanine floor is a semi-permanent structure, typically constructed within an existing building, that creates an additional level (or levels) between the ground floor and ceiling. The structure of a mezzanine is typically made of steel, making them sturdy and durable, plus they’re incredibly versatile and customisable making them suitable for all commercial needs. It’s no surprise they are a popular choice for many expanding workspaces. But how can a mezzanine floor reduce energy costs?

Utilisation of Vertical Space
Vertical space is arguably the cheapest space you can buy… but it’s also the most expensive to waste. It’s why one of the most obvious ways mezzanine floors help reduce energy costs is by maximising the use of the vertical space within a building.

Instead of expanding horizontally, which might require the construction of an entirely new building (and planning permission – ugh, think of the paperwork!), mezzanines make use of the available height within an existing structure. This, in turn, reduces the overall energy required for heating, cooling and lighting as there’s less square footage to condition.

Improved Natural Lighting
Mezzanine floors can be strategically designed to allow natural light to penetrate deeper into the workspace. By utilising fibreglass or translucent roof/wall tiles, skylights or large windows, businesses can reduce their reliance on artificial lighting during daylight hours. This not only saves on electricity costs, but also enhances the working environment by providing a more natural and pleasing light source. It’s also worth noting that natural lighting has been proven to increase employee productivity and wellbeing.

Oh, and just a thought, if you have a large industrial facility (a warehouse or factory perhaps), it’s worth considering painting the internal walls white for a lighter, brighter appearance.

Energy-Efficient Lighting Systems
Installing energy-efficient lighting systems on mezzanine floors can further reduce electricity consumption. LED lighting is not only energy-efficient but also has a longer lifespan, reducing maintenance costs. Moreover, modern lighting systems often come equipped with sensors that can detect occupancy, ensuring that lights are only on when needed (‘‘waste not, want not’’ as they say).

Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems
With a mezzanine floor in place, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems can be optimised for the specific space requirements. Instead of conditioning a massive volume of air within a cavernous building, businesses can focus their HVAC efforts on the mezzanine and lower levels separately. This zoning approach can lead to significant energy savings as systems can be tailored to the needs of each area, thus reducing wastage.

Enhanced Insulation
By installing a new mezzanine floor, you can also improve insulation within your commercial building. By insulating the ceiling of the lower level, the temperature regulation becomes more efficient. This means that, during extreme weather conditions, less energy is needed to heat or cool the space as the mezzanine floor acts as an additional barrier against external temperature fluctuations.

Have you heard of stratification?  It is caused by cold air entering a building, pushing the warm air inside towards the roof with the cold air remaining at floor level. Destratification fans counteract this by moving the trapped warm air downwards towards floor level. By making better use of the heat energy trapped at high level, your heating system can reduce its output.

Optimised Workflow
A well-designed mezzanine floor can also optimise workflow, reducing the need for excessive movement and transportation of goods or materials. By having storage, workstations or even assembly areas strategically located on the mezzanine, employees can work more efficiently.  This, in turn, can also lead to energy savings.

Mezzanine floors offer a multifaceted approach to reducing energy costs within commercial workspaces. From optimising vertical space utilisation to improving natural lighting and enhancing insulation, these structures can have a profound impact on a business’s energy consumption. By adopting energy-efficient practices and incorporating eco-friendly design principles, companies can simultaneously boost their sustainability credentials and save on operational expenses.

Mezzanine floors are not just a means to expand space, but a pathway toward a greener and more cost-effective future for businesses. As the world continues to prioritise sustainability, exploring innovative solutions like mezzanine floors becomes increasingly essential for staying competitive and environmentally responsible in today’s business landscape.

Make energy awareness part of your company culture with Cubex. Contact us today to arrange a site visit. We’ll design a bespoke mezzanine floor specific to your requirements and confirm the associated costs upfront so there are no unwanted surprises later down the line.

It’s worth noting that many companies prefer to spread the cost of their mezzanine rather than take a hit on the upfront capital cost. That’s why we work with a specialist leasing company to give our customers the flexibility of options. If you think you might be interested in a lease option, let us know and we can liaise with our chosen lease company at quotation stage. Give us a call on 01933 460422 or email us at sales@cubexcontracts.com.